Everything you need to know about switching your skincare to Ayurvedic products

All of us are concerned with getting flawless looking skin. In our quest to attain this ultimate desired skin, we try and splurge on numerous skincare and makeup products that claim to give us just that – spotless, radiant, smooth and acne-free skin. As we get more and more educated and aware of the ingredients that are used in these products, people have been making a conscious effort to ditch chemically induced skincare products and are choosing to go the organic and Ayurvedic route.

We spoke to Vedika Sharma, Director of Mantra Herbal skincare label, to understand the difference between organic, herbal and Ayurveda and to get a glimpse of how Ayurvedic products work on our skin.

Difference between Ayurvedic, organic, herbal naturopathy:“Ayurveda is a system of medicine with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. It is life knowledge and medicinal science that is based on your body’s Doshas – Vatta, Pitta, Kapha (Air, Fire, and Earth). Ayurveda not only uses plants but also metals such as gold and silver in its products/therapies. In countries beyond India, Ayurveda therapies and practices have been integrated into general wellness applications and in some cases in medical use.”

“Herbal skincare is made up of parts and extracts of a plant, herb or flower. Whereas organic products are those, which use organically sourced raw materials and are handled organically. The compositions of the skincare products in all three forms {Ayurvedic, Organic, and Herbal} are majorly different.”

Image from: Mantra Herbal

How to switch to your skincare to Ayurvedic products:“Organic and Ayurvedic products are free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances, parabens, and phthalates, which help you make the change to good from within. Ayurvedic and organic products are generally safer to use as they do not contain harmful chemicals but every skin type is different and therefore it is better to check by applying the product in a small quantity in your inner arm or wrist to check for any allergies or reactions. Ayurvedic products are not harmful or have any reactions to the skin. Overall, it is safe to say you can easily transition to organic and Ayurvedic skincare products.”

“The very first step in the holistic Ayurvedic approach to skin care is finding out your Ayurvedic skin type. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are Ayurvedic psycho-physiological principles called Doshas. They govern all the activities of the mind and body and determine the physical characteristics and emotional and mental tendencies of every human being. Once you know your Ayurvedic skin type, then it gets easier to follow a regime according to the skin type.”

How to find the right products for your skin type: “Ayurvedic skin care aims to identify and treat the underlying cause of skin imbalances—an approach that can take a little time, but that tends to offer real and sustained results. The best part is, the improvements you’ll notice on the surface of your skin are usually the result of a more significant transformation—one that will improve your life in ways that you never imagined skin care could.

There are different products for different skin types. Most Ayurvedic products cater to specific skin issues as the formulations are studied for many years by Ayurvedic doctors and Vaidyas. These products are specially made to balance your Doshas and cater to different skins and body types.”